In a perfect example of how capitalism fails the average American, a number of popular fast-food chains have been donating millions of dollars just to avoid paying their workers more.

California voters will tackle a referendum in 2024 that could overturn a new state law that standardizes working conditions and pushes minimum wage up to $22 an hour for fast food employees.

Several high-profile chains don’t like the new law.

Chipotle, In-n-Out, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Starbucks and Yum! (owner of KFC) have each donated $1 million to a coalition that opposes the law titled Save Local Restaurants.

They’re being joined by other fast-food companies, business groups and franchise owners in spending millions to oppose the law.

They’re worried that if things proceed in California, they will have to change conditions and up pay across all states soon as it sets a standard other places can model from.

But the irony of spending millions to avoid spending millions on the workers who keep their businesses running is not lost on most people.